Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
Own Domain Version
About The Author
After working for nearly 30 years in a challenging technological environment, Brian
Stephens now lives and works in the Languedoc Roussillon region of Southern France.
Since moving to France he has been involved with developing a new web design business
which is supplemented by his Internet marketing and blog writing activities.
Brian has created and published a number of blogs on the Internet using both the free
blogger platform provided by Google and by registering his own domains to support his
independent WordPress blogs.
This eBook has been written to provide a step by step procedure which can be used as a
general guide to anyone who wants to register their own domain name, create a new
WordPress blog and publish it independently on the Internet.
There are many benefits to taking this approach when blog writing, not least of which is
maintaining full ownership over the content material and value of the blog.
Using and Sharing this eBook
You are welcome to use and share this eBook with whomever you wish, this includes
posting it on websites, blogs or passing it on via email or any other suitable media.
The information has been provided in good faith for the purpose of assisting people to
create their own independent WordPress blogs. You cannot change the information
contained within it in any way and especially not for the purposes of claiming it as your
own or to try and sell it for commercial gain.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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Table of Contents
Domain Registration 3
Web Hosting Options 6
Getting Your Blog Published 7
Using the WP-Admin Function 11
The Long Way to Upload a New Theme 13
The Quick Way to Upload a New Theme 16
General Settings and Recommendations 18
Useful Plugins 20
Where to Find Great WordPress Themes 20
Blogging Tools 21
Pointing Your Domain at a Different Named Server in 123-Reg 22
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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Domain Registration
The process of registering a domain name in terms of physically going on line and making
a purchase is actually relatively straight forward. The hard part is coming up with a
unique name that is likely to attract traffic to your site. Making the name match a high
inquiry search term is one means of attracting traffic, particularly if there is not a high
level of competition for the term selected. That however is a whole different subject
which you can find out more about by visiting A Good Time is Blog Time under the
category Keyword Optimization.
Lets assume for the moment though that you have a domain name in mind and now you
want to find out if it is available and how much it costs.
My 2 favorite places for registering domain names are:
Click on the banner above for a UK based company that offers all the standard tld's such
as .com, .co,.uk, .eu etc. All you need to do is enter the domain name you want after the
www. in the search box and click on search. The results will show what tld's are available,
how much they cost and for how long before the registration needs to be renewed. Note:
you do not actually own the domain name outright, if you do not renew at the required
time, it can be sold on to a 3rd party
Check the tld you require and click on 'add to basket' , remember to uncheck any you don't
want.
When you are ready to pay click on 'OK, let's
continue and follow the payment instructions.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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If the results indicate that a domain is already taken but can be transferred I would tend
to avoid using any of these and try a different name that is available. Otherwise it just
becomes a little complicated and usually they aren't really available anyway.
Click on the banner above for A US based company that offers .com, .net, .org, .biz
and .info tld's.
Enter your domain inquiry into the form box after www. then check the tld's you are
interested in. Put in the captcha code and click on 'Lookup'.
Remember not to include a tld as part of the name, only select them using the check
boxes.
The results will tell you if the name is available or not and invite you to order now if it
is, the price will also be displayed.
Note: depending on the host you decide to use you may need to redirect the domain
name to different named servers than the ones allocated. This is so that when the
hosting company you eventually select is used that the website can be found via its URL.
For information, the named server is effectively the address for the physical location of
the files on the server.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
Own Domain Version
That said if you are registering your domain
with Hostazar then you would also be as well to host with
them as a joint package. The service is well suited to blogging
requirements and is a very affordable option. I have to be honest though, this site was
recommended to me and I have not used them personally as I have a multi-account with
Hostgator which I now use exclusively.
123-reg is another excellent 'value for money' domain registration option but was not
originally considered to be as well suited to hosting for blogs as say HostGator who are
my number one hosting choice and one that meets all the hosting requirements you are
ever likely to need as a blogger, or website designer for that matter.
123-reg has upgraded some of their hosting options more recently and their 'Plus'
package does now offer 1 click WordPress support, so for simplicity's sake you may
decide that using them for your hosting is a good option, your choice at the end of the
day.
The package is certainly affordable and you don't need to redirect the named servers if
you decide to both register your domain with them and host with them.
Remember when you purchase your hosting, to keep a note of the user name you select
and your password as you will need these to access the control panel at a later time.
They should be sent to you via an email from your company of choice, but it is a good
idea to make a note of them in hard copy as well, just in case something goes wrong
with your PC or you lose the email.
Have a look at the web hosting options available on the next page and then make your
decision as to which domain registration and web hosting package is the best for you.
If you decide to go with an alternative hosting package, then make sure it offers all the
tools that you will need as a blogger. Specifically a means of creating your blog and then
a means of updating and maintaining it, ideally beyond standard features.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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Web Hosting Options
The first hosting package of choice is HostGator:
A key feature of any web hosting package you choose for blogging is that you have access
to the 'Fantastico' function that comes as a part of 'Control Panel'. Both HostGator and
Hostazar offer this facility.
Fantastico is the 'control panel' feature that is used to upload the WordPress functionality
onto your hosting server under the domain name you have selected and makes the
process of creating and setting up your WordPress blog very easy.
Without going into too much detail, there are other features that will also be required
such as .php support for example, so selecting the recommended web hosting suppliers
will mean that you can be pretty confident all your blogging needs will be met.
It is worth noting that for HostGator the prices offered per month are only typically
available if you purchase 3 years in advance. If you find that a little daunting then you
may want to consider going through a reseller hosting service that offers the same
facilities but usually at a reduced rate or time period. Bit like using a retailer rather than
a wholesaler.
123-reg is also a good value for money hosting package as long as you are not overly
concerned with having the control panel option available. Certainly the one click
WordPress feature makes creating a WordPress blog pretty straightforward and removes
the need for using Fantastico via the control panel.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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Getting Your Blog Published
Assuming you have chosen to register your blog domain name and host it on one of the
first two recommended hosting platforms, the next stage is to create a WordPress blog
using the Fantastico facility available through the control panel that comes as a part of
your package.
To access the control panel you type your domain name into the address bar of your
browser e.g. http:// then yourdomain.com/cpanel and press return.
Next you will get a login box:
You need to enter the user name and password that you created when you purchased the
hosting package. Then click on 'OK'.
The control panel will open and you will get a screen asking if you need help, just click
on 'No I'm fine'.
Now you can scroll down to find the 'Software/Services' box which contains the
'Fantastico De Luxe' icon.
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Click on the 'Fantastico' icon to open the next screen.
Click on 'Wordpress' under the 'Blogs' section.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
Own Domain Version
On the next screen you need to click
on the 'new installation option.
When you click on new installation you will get a form to fill in, complete the form as
follows:
Leave the directory box blank so that the blog gets installed directly under your main
domain directory.
Create an 'admin' name and 'password'.
Assign a suitable 'nickname' to suit your preference.
Once you have done this, you are ready to install.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
Own Domain Version
Click on 'Install WordPress'
At the next screen you just click on 'Finish
Installation' and you are done.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
Own Domain Version
Using the WP-Admin Function
Once you have WordPress installed you can now access the WP-Admin function via your
web browser. Enter your domain name in the URL address bar of your browser as you did
to access control panel but this time instead of typing '/cpanel' you type '/wp-admin' as
the suffix. This will take you to the WP login, enter the user name and password you
created when installing WordPress earlier, you can check 'remember me' as well if you
want to for future access. Then click 'Log In'.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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At the next screen the area you are
interested in is the 'Appearance' box, this is where
you can add more themes , select a theme of choice and
adopt it for your blog.
If you select 'Add New Themes' at the bottom of the menu, you will get a search option
which you can use to find additional themes. It actually allows you to select from a list
of features you would like by clicking the check boxes. This is a bit hit or miss,
sometimes you get results and other times you don't; or what you get is not what you
want.
A better way is to use a search engine and look for 'free WordPress templates', you will
find absolutely loads of themes to choose from. The norm is that you can view and
download a theme that grabs your imagination. Then all you have to do is upload it to
your server in the correct directory so that you can choose it as your option via the
appearance menu above.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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The Long Way of Getting
a New Theme onto Your Server
When you find your new theme and download it to your PC, it will be normally be saved
as a .zip file. Go to the directory you downloaded it to using 'explorer' and double click
the .zip file to open it up. You should then be able to see the folder that contains the
theme files. Use the 'Extract all files' option to place the folder in a location you can
find, 'temp' is a good choice.
Now you can use Cpanel to upload the directory to
your server.
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Access Cpanel as previously
described using the '/cpanel' suffix in
you browser address bar. This time you will be
using the 'Files' option and specifically 'File Manager
Navigate to your domain directory, the path is normally:
public_html/yourdomain.com/wp-content/themes/
This is the directory you want to be in to upload your new theme. Now all you do is click
on 'Upload'
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Use the 'Browse' option to locate the
extracted directory for your chosen theme,
select it and click on 'Open'. The file will now upload
into the 'themes' directory. Use the 'Back to' option to go back
to file manager and check the files are in fact there.
That is it, you can now return to the wp-admin screen and select the theme from the
available options.
OK I admit it, there is a quicker and much easier way to get a .zip file onto your server,
which I will now tell you about. But this has been a very useful exercise as it has
demonstrated to you how you go about getting any file you want onto your server. For
example if you wanted to offer an eBook you could upload the file using this method and
provide a URL path to it. There are also lots of other reasons why you might want to add
content to your blog in this way. So knowing how to do it this way is very useful.
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The Quick Way to Upload
a New Theme
Now select upload
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When you click on upload you get
a 'Browse' option. Navigate to the .zip file and
select 'Open' then click on 'Install Now'.
The program will extract the files and place them in your theme options, you can then
click 'activate' to make it the current theme.
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So yes this is a very good choice for
uploading the various options that are
configured for WordPress blogs. Adding new plugins can
often be done this way also; or you can search for them in the
add new screen.
If you want to find out more about customising your theme further you can find out how
to do that by visiting How to Customise WordPress Themes
General Settings and Recommendations
Once you have your blog installed it is worth taking some time to work through the
Settings options and configure your set up.
General
This is fairly intuitive just make sure you have filled in all the boxes and set the fields as
required. In the 'Tagline' description try and include your primary keyword phrase for the
blog.
Writing
It is a good idea to check the XML-RPC box if you want to automate adding posts via a 3rd
party software package. Doesn't hurt to do this even if you decide you are not going to
use it.
Under 'Update Services' you can add ping details, this means these services will be
automatically updated when you post on your blog. The list below is a good sample of
services.
http://rpc.pingomatic.com/ http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
http://blogsearch.google.com/ping/RPC2 http://api.my.yahoo.com/RPC2
http://ping.feedburner.com http://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php
You may need to register with some of these services for them to work, others will
accept the ping without registration so to be sure it would be worth taking a little time
to register. You can then also enhance your web
profile by registering and participating with some of
the better known sites.
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Reading
This can be arranged as per your preferences,
some people decide to only show 1 post per page for
example.
Discussion
Again configure as per your requirements but note that moderating comments is always a
good idea. Spammers will have a field day with you if you allow comments without
moderation and you could end up with links to all sorts of unsavory sites.
Set the notification to tell you when you receive a comment so you can have a look see
what it is. If you find your self being bombarded by a specific type of comment then you
should be able to use the blacklist to block it.
Media
As per your requirements
Privacy
Select the option you want but remember if you are trying to reach the public then you
need to select 'visible to everyone'.
Permalinks
This is where you can decide the naming convention for your blog posts, if you want the
post title to be used you can put /%postname%/ in the 'Custom Structure' box and then
of course you need to ensure this option is selected.
Miscellaneous
As per your requirements
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Useful Plugins
Advertising Manager  By Scott Switzer, Martin Fitzpatrick | Visit plugin site
Askimet  By Matt Mullenweg | Visit plugin site
All in One SEO Pack  By Michael Torbert | Visit plugin site
CommentLuv  By Andy Bailey | Visit plugin site
Evermore - Bennett McElwee | Visit plugin site
Share This - By ShareThis | Visit plugin site
Top Commentators Widget  By Lorna Timbah (WebGrrrl.net) | Visit plugin site
Where to Find Great WordPress Themes
One of my favorite places for free WordPress themes is wordpressthemesbase.com You will
lots of fresh new themes to choose from and to ensure that you get a unique look to your
blog you can always edit the theme for different colours and fonts etc. Just make sure you
leave the information detailing the source of the theme so that you don't break the
copyright rules.
Another great source is freewpthemes.net
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Blogging Tools
WP Remix this is the theme creator for the non technical person,
it allows you to create your own unique Wordpress theme without
having to do any coding. Visit A Good Time is Blog Time for a
review of the package and additional information
Article Submitter
this software allows you to submit articles to multiple article
directories. Visit A Good Time is Blog Time for an honest review of
the package warts and all.
PhotoShop  all bloggers should utilise some sort of graphics editing package to make the
images you want more interesting and on topic. The recommended package is an
industry standard and you can find out more about it on A Good Time is Blog Time.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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Pointing Your Domain at a
Different Named Server in 123-Reg
If you decided to use Hostgator to host your blog and 123-Reg for your 'domain registration',
you will need to change the named servers for your domain. To do this go to 123-Reg.co.uk
and logon to your control panel. Once in the control panel you select your domain name
from the drop down menu and then click on 'Manage'.
Before you can change the nameserver you will need to unlock the domain, so click on
'Manage Domain Locking'.
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 Creating and Publishing a WordPress Blog
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As long as you had the correct domain name
selected when you started, you can now select
'Unlock Domain' and then click 'Back to Control Panel'
You can now select 'Change Nameserver'
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All you need to do is change the 2
nameservers in the boxes to the ones that you have been
given by Hostgator and then click on 'Change Namservers'.
Once you have done that scroll to the bottom of the page, click on 'Back to Control Panel'
and then go back into the Manage Domain Locking and select 'Lock Domain'. The changes
should then take place within 48 hours of you making the change.
So you can now log out and you will have your domain registered on 123-Reg and your blog
hosted on Hostgator, a winning combination I think. Oh and by the way you will be live on
the Internet so it is time to start posting. You do this in the 'wp-admin' screen under 'posts'
and by selecting 'Add New'. As you are new to blogging it will probably be best to use the
'Visual' tab to write your posts as this is very similar to a word processor.
'HAVE A GOOD TIME BLOGGING'
because A Good Time is Blog Time
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